STRANGE DARLING - Movie Review

[@bgwinn]

I particularly enjoyed the last 3 minutes of the movie. The cinematography was great, Fitzgerald's acting was great, and it was a very beautiful end to the movie that was appropriate to the rest of it.

[@notrick1985]

She BETTER get award nominations. She was so good.

[@zacharyantle7940]

The fact Giovanni Ribisi did the cinematography in this is nuts lmao

[@wblake1]

C'mon, the film was a one-trick-pony. Once it reached the plot twist, it struggled to fill the remaining running time.

[@Lifesizemortal]

@@wblake1 it's true but nobody wants to face it; only pay empty lip service to it

[@hunter12555]

This is my film of the year because it’s everything I needed in a movie this year. I was craving this originality for a while and the story telling is so thrilling. The movie grips you all the way through and it’s kinda rare now to feel on the edge through an entire movie in this era. I’m so excited to see what all involved do next

[@bradlylopez9281]

the director took a big swing with the subject matter in this movie. this is extremely brave filmmaking.

[@instructivesilence359]

This movie did not have a twist, not for me anyway. It was obvious from the beginning that Mae Ella Ewell was what she was. It was clear who the serial killer was at the very beginning. Miss Ann is who she is, regardless of hair color. In fact, I am sure to some she looked most vulnerable with blonde hair. But to me, she looked most evil when she’s looking more innocent because that’s when she can perpetuate innocence the most. The amount of times that I thought about the Amy Cooper, Scottsboro boys, Emmitt Till etc. Regardless of who her victim is, she is a classic and common American monster. She isn’t strange at all.

[@markkuzia6633]

Imo, this is a stellar job of discussing a thoughtful film without giving away anything. I also was blown away by the intensity and range of Fitzgerald. So nice to discover new talent!

[@73richg]

WTF? I just spent 32 bucks on a Scott Baio jigsaw puzzle on EBay!

[@Grogeous_Maximus]

I got mine for free :o

[@Charmolution]

You paid too much.

[@SprangBrake]

Demi Moore and WIlla Fitzgerald need to get nominated for Best Actress, but they won't because they will nominate the boring safe ones.

[@hunter12555]

We really need an alternative awards system

[@jamiesalmonsculpture8599]

Your review of this movie was excellent. Without being preachy or pretentious, you cut to the heart of it. I loved this movie. It was a perfect movie. The final scene in the car. Wow. Without giving away spoilers, her performance was brilliant. The lady in the car (who we know nothing about) made the split second decision the trained cops didn't make, and our protagonist couldn't believe it. I've never seen a death scene portrayed so well. She deserves accolades for her performance.

[@llamasarus1]

I drove out of town and saw a Sesame Street-themed planetarium show at a museum and Strange Darling at the theater all in the same day-the best combination ever.

[@88fonsfons]

just saw this, absolutely blown away by it. Willa Fitzgerald was so good in this.

[@ZombieZifiction]

best movie of the year for me

[@Udgrasil13]

I agree. Best movie of the year so far.

[@user-vg2eg7oo5n]

Bad year for movies.

[@Pax_Mayn3]

It's one of the worst movies i've seen, it's not disturbing, scary, interesting, thought provoking, it's just boring. The dialogue is shallow, the characters have no depth. Is there another movie with the same name because i'm honestly confused. People are talking about the movie that has the girl with the red hair right? You think that was better than The Substance?

[@ZombieZifiction]

@Pax_Mayn3 yes I did. I loved Substance but it was quite repetitive

[@ericd4910]

Great film. Was totally blown away. The music and score were also important elements. I don’t think the movie would’ve been as effective without them.

[@misutsuki]

True! I really liked the music choices as well. Good point! Love hurts will also be stuck in my head in a while.

[@indori4787]

Didn't released in theatre, just watched it now and I love this move. Thank You Maggie.

[@b1thearchitect401]

I personally felt like this film was a lot less subversive and interesting than was first led on by the interesting structure and shifting perspectives. I was expecting the plot and perspective to continually shift throughout, instead I was pretty accurately able to predict what was about to unfold from about the first 10 minutes or so (typically I'm not trying to guess where a film is going, but this one kind of invites that sort of speculation early on). It ultimately felt like a slight feminist spin on a Tarantino style grindhouse thriller, that failed to engage me in any significant way emotionally which meant the violence and chaos was lacking stakes and I really didn't have any particular investment in where the story was going. Seems I'm the odd one out on this one but it very much left me cold and even a little indifferent, despite admiring the admittedly great performances and the well calculated presentation/style.

[@Pax_Mayn3]

This, it was really bad. Is that what's going on here? It's some kind of feminist thing so people are pretending it's good? I'm am really baffled that people are saying it's good. Nothing about it was good. It was well made, but the problem is that what they made is really boring and predictable. I don't get it. The Substance, now that was a wild ride.

[@b1thearchitect401]

@@Pax_Mayn3 I agree, The Substance was far more engaging and unpredictable.

[@nolanlehman6392]

@Pax_Mayn3 I highly doubt you could predict the plot twist earlu enough to ruin the film. I also don't understand how you could view this as a feminist film when the Substance has a much clearer message about how women are treated and viewed for their looks

[@b1thearchitect401]

​@@nolanlehman6392 I'm shocked you DIDN'T predict it. First off, every movie made post 2015 that scores highly with critics, has about a 90% chance of having a feminist/female empowerment angle; so a highly critic rated movie about a female just being a helpless VICTIM of a male serial killer seemed pretty fucking unlikely lol. Then, with the way it was structured with the girl running away in then intro, then shortly after asking "are you a serial killer" within the first 15 mins, I was basically certain at that point that SHE was going to be the killer. That twist in itself wasn't the issue, it's just that I was waiting for the NEXT subversion of my expectations that never really came, it was a bit of a 1 trick pony that I was able to guess almost immediately and that definitely took away from some of the impact (it didn't "ruin" the film necessarily, as despite the harsh criticisms I had I still think it's really well made). Also, I just fundamentally don't find that gender role reversal and power dynamic shift the film pulls to be all that subversive or interesting, like so many other critics did. Like I said, it's been done to DEATH in recent years in independent & international cinema, and even mainstream stuff (with a lot less subtlety) to the point where it's an expectation. My other issue with the film was that it was so emotionally cold and distant that I never got particularly attached or cared about the fate of either of the main characters, which made the resulting carnage kind of meaningless for me; in fact this is the far bigger issue, I would have probably not cared at all that I "predicted" it's twist if I was heavily emotionally affected by how it all played out. The film just felt a little gimmicky to me and the gimmick and structure fall apart fast if you catch on to it too early.

[@nolanlehman6392]

@@b1thearchitect401 I admit it would be less liked if someone were to predict its twists very early. Though I feel that's true for a fair amount of films with big twists. I found the acting of the 2 leads good enough to keep me engaged in their fates even with minimal character development. They used a less is more approach and doled out info with very minimal exposition. There's never that scene in sk many movies with a killer where they go into bug detail on the backstory or motives. And I liked that. Certainly don't think it's flawless but overall I found it to be quite good

[@ryrythomas2788]

Amazing review. Agree saw it yesterday and was blown away great acting and intense throughout. Loved it! Again love your reviews.

[@sillygoose6253]

I really liked this movie, and at same time recognize it's really hard to review without spoiling. Yes, go in blind for sure. It's a movie that plays on your expectations with a sort of poetic intention that's layers deep in ways I can't articulate very well without spoiling. That mixed time was very effective in telling the story the way it needed to be told.

[@PurushaDesa]

We rarely sync up in our opinions, Lens, but I'm glad we both love this one. The absolute confidence of this film reminded me so much of Tarantino - that beautifully simple touch of rolling the chapter numbers back and forth is one of many examples of Mollner's sure hand.

[@fringedweller2466]

Agree wholeheartedly! My 2 favorite filmgoing experiences this year so far are Strange Darling and Furiosa. So enjoyed your breakdown and perspective!

[@firefist3684]

When Maggie said "[he] uses those elements almost like it's a gateway drug and that is going to open up into this whole area that maybe we're not used to exploring on the surface." That is when I suspected that Maggie liked this film. A few seconds later she says "I loved this movie"

[@dsranime3299]

I just finished watching Strange Darling, and I just don't get what was so amazing about it. The movie is decent, but nothing more, it lack any real substance and it was very predictable. The out of order help the story be a little bit more interesting but after the first 30mim you had pretty much the idea of the rest of the movie. Despite the two main leads giving a solid performances and the admirable presentation/style, It failed to engage me in any significant way, either through the story, characters or thematic significance.

[@davidvalbuena1997]

Im so happy you liked it - I also adored it. Can we talk about Willa Fitzgerald's perfromance?????? 😵

[@themadmattster9647]

Red Letter Media got me into Kyle Gallner flicks so I’m stoked to see this

[@babychuma1]

Loved it, my S.O who doesn't like graphic stuff even liked it. It grabs you and doesn't let go

[@notrick1985]

I work with Jt at his haunts in Las Vegas as his Director of Operations (Freakling Brother's Horror Shows) and I just saw this today. I'm still a bit in shock 8 hours later. SO GOOD. The car conversation was so real, the fears and desires, along with the negotiating and rules...

[@opinion56]

im a vegas local too and we all know those haunted houses. This guy is a true fan and talented. He has a future in film making

[@GA-1st]

It's always gratifying when someone whom I hold in high esteem shares my opinion about a film!

[@sadiqurrahman9741]

She also played a supporting role in Mike Flanagan's The fall of the house of usher and nailed it as well. You have to check that out. It is a modern adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe's works.

[@slc2466]

Going tonight at the one showing nearby. I stupidly watched a couple reviews, as I hadn't heard of the movie and didn't plan on going, but it still should be a great ride.

[@OkayDoood]

Watched it on your recommendation, and I’m glad I did. It was great

[@MatthewFling]

I will see this. Going cold. I will be back.

[@Blashswanski]

I can't not see Kyle Gallner as a dysfunctional, heart of gold, fantasy suburban rich kid chasing his dream of punk rock authenticity.

[@scottjustin9800]

This...is..the...one!!!! Willa for an OSCAR!!!

[@davidb9531]

No chance she'd be nominated in a film like this way to edgy, she's well deserving though, insanely good

[@Marco-nm1kp]

I saw an early screening. I absolutely loved it! In my top three of the year so far!

[@GizmoBeach]

Nice to finally watch something this year that lived up to its hype. Intense, and surprising even when what you expect to happen does (the bear spray, etc.) Been a fan of Ribisi (the actor) for quite some time; cool to see him involved in something like this, an actual thriller w/ solid twists. Somehow manages to capture the spirit of Mamet’s Oleanna and integrate it into a serial killer story.

[@iansmart4158]

I’m looking forward to rewatching this. I tend to find movies that use nonlinear storytelling to obscure PLOT to drop pretty significantly on rewatch. Hopefully this one holds up. But yeah, super exhilarating. So well acted and has a great variety of set pieces and points of view. I do find something lacking at its core tho. You mentioned how empty you found DONT BLINK to be. I found that movie to be pretty substantial in its clear eyed rage and depictions while I found STRANGE DARLING to be (at least somewhat) obvious about its dog whistling about “you can’t believe ALL women.” As a genre exercise it’s wonderful. But by reaching past the “love story” to be a story about this woman felt a bit off for me. Loved the final shot. But this should have ended being a story about 2 ppl, not one person who has been routinely underestimated. We’ll see when I finally see it again. I had issues, but even still, it’s a great ride. EDIT: and you mentioned NOLAN with regards to time and nonlinear structure. I disagree with your take there. Nolan uses it to put on the level with the ppl and thematics he’s exploring. This movie uses it to trick us into believing one thing until it ends up being another. Which is far more empty in the long term IMO.

[@tylerolsonfilms]

Oh man for a split second I thought Maggie was reviewing the underrated masterpiece STRANGE DAYS from Katherine Bigelow

[@stevedepasque]

This is such an unbelievably thoughtful review; it helped me understand exactly why I enjoyed the movie so much so thank you

[@katryonkelly3772]

I'll definitely check it out! Its always good to see you enjoy a film! Stay badass, much love! 😊❤

[@----t----1234]

The “subverted expectations” this film uses just felt empty and transparently gimmicky. ultimately felt pretty trashy and nihilistic. Lots of flair, no substance. I’m surprised so many thought it was mind blowing or something

[@mohitrawat5225]

OK so I've been repeating the same comment again and again from the last year. Please watch and review Ship of Theseus. It is a very philosophical, subtle and thought provoking movie about the meaning of life. It is available free on KZbin with subtitles.

[@indori4787]

I'll still be upset with the Indian jury for not submitting this film as the official entry to the Academy Awards. They gave it the National Film Award (the highest honor in India), but didn't send it to the Oscars. Or perhaps the 50% non-English rule was a factor-I’m not sure. Maggie didn’t watch much Indian content, but believe me, we have some of the finest cinema.

[@ReyDonahue]

Mommy has been in the psychiatric hospital since March 6, 2003, and there she will remain, until the end of time, with a piece of my soul. After watching your videos I have decided to give the rest of my soul to you. I’m proud to call you my new mommy ;)

[@Rally351]

The absolute best review of this DIAMOND of a movie on the internet. Yes, better than RedletterMedia’s. And Chris Stuckmann sucks.

[@danjaworsky]

I enjoyed this review a lot. I crave movies about people, individuals that are messy and interesting just like real life, even if it’s heightened in movies. Once you have that you can suggest a lot between the lines. Gotta be my fav watch in a long time.

[@OdinAesthetic]

Good movie. Not great. It pulled punches a bit. For the topic and events : kinda sterile. In 1997 it would have had some nudity and grit. I felt modern sensibilities were on display. People are over praising it a bit because it's type is a rarity these days. Still enjoyable and original.

[@TheBackOfTheClassroom]

I saw it yesterday evening. Ngl, was waiting to hear what you thought about it. 😅

[@syntheticsilkwood2206]

Saw 2 minutes of your review and checked out the movie and thank you so much I know I can always trust you because i also LOVE this movie Also agreed with the love story part it reminded me of my favourite love movie ever (Le banc de la désolation) with the unsaid parts I didn't even have to think about it just felt it in my soul The actress gave my favourite performance I have seen in a long time Loved her I think this is a type of movie that both normal and seasoned audiences can enjoy (though some people might not love the ending) It deserves to be a hit!

[@alfredmeneses5496]

Totally agree with you that it’s very Tarantino-esque. Best twists and turns in a film I’ve seen this year and very good use of Chekov’s guns. And I loved how once the mid movie reveal happens, it completely changed how I viewed and felt about the movie up till that point (in the best way). The choice to tell the story’s chapters out of sequence was such a good one.

[@jameskeane7679]

Need to check this one out! RLM also gave it a good review

[@dennyawright21]

I appreciate a female’s genuine analysis and perspective because I read one popular review site by a female that hated it on mainly ideological grounds. Ai Yi Yi. Lol. Some bias and ideology can’t be helped but the exclusion of everything else gets off putting.

[@basehead617]

i hated the non linear aspect of it but it’s just a pet peeve - it’s kind of necessary to avoid spoiling itself though

[@rossazner5918]

The performances, the score, the irony and humor...this is thus far the best film of 2024. I dont know why it reminded me of Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer, one of my favorite films.

[@roachman1412]

Bought the 4k it's the best blind buy I've ever bought great movie looks great in 4k glad it was shot on 35 mm

[@bobtheman1]

SPOILERS AHEAD: This movie explores the dangers of dating for women and turns this notion on its head. I also don't normally enjoy non-linear narratives, but the fact the chapters are out of order makes the plot twist that more satisfying. Like other films about female serial killers, such as Titane and Pearl, I found The Lady's character complex but not likable (although I will admit Pearl was very charismatic). By the end, I wanted the Lady to get her comeuppance and for the Demon to get a better ending.

[@chrisa9834]

I kind of felt the same, but on a second watch I actually had much more empathy for her.

[@OIP_1]

i'm not completely sold on the plot, but i loved the lurid look of this movie. there were some incredible setpieces in it. and willa fitzgerald's performance was astounding.

[@aperson4640]

Yeah so much is implied and unexplained about the motivations of these characters yet their actions all seem truthful. This film is a true masterpiece where the whole is far more than the sum of it's parts.

[@whereisrowanmorrison]

I loved this movie too! Thank you for your articulate thoughts, you described it well. I give it 5, but I saw a BUNCH of 1/2 star reviews calling it misogynist on LB and i thought i was going crazy!

[@steely10]

I think it's speaking about the evolving modern male-female relationship power dynamic. If I may, the presentation of consent was a red herring for maybe a more common and honest representation of interactions of men and women today. Without the violence lol. I went in cold, and loved it, I couldn't wait for the next scene. Film of year for me.

[@Fretfulbanjo]

This one shot straight into my top 5 of the year. Really stoked to see how i react to it after a second view

[@CMDR-Cody]

I was waiting for this review because I knew you would love this film. It was incredible.

[@GizmoBeach]

Sounds interesting enough to seek out when available to me. I see Giovanni Ribisi handled the cinematography; always liked him, he was excellent in Tykwer’s “Heaven” for example.

[@billcook4768]

Stopped the video at 1:15. Will go watch the movie, then come back

[@croked]

yeah, me too 😅

[@luminosway5249]

Yes! That's exactly what I did when RLM put out their video on this movie the other day. Well worth it.

[@sj6049]

Enjoyed this film, but it felt a lot more like a well-executed directing exercise than a fully fledged film (story was only in the set-up, and not developed further in the action.) Stylewise, not quite grindhouse, not quite arthouse, but a precarious balance - it definitely felt like the director was full in control. Would love to see the director do a real script - think Mollner would have a made much, much better Longlegs.

[@Egothemonster]

I rarely seen you this excited over a movie, now I got to check this one out 👍🏿

[@Onethonone]

If anyone is interested in watching the movie, I would suggest going in as blind as possible. Then come back of course :)

[@jakeguy6050]

Absolutely loved this movie. Been a long time since ive rated something 10/10. The way the story was told was mind blowing, going in blind had me so tense the whole movie. Soundtrack was great and loved the lynch vibes throughout!

[@evilroy6568]

Only 10pm showing at my theatre. Definitely going this weekend

[@z.8991]

Very nice review! I consider myself a sensitive viewer so I’m extremely hesitant of watching “Strange Darling”. However, I strangely LOVE films like “Hereditary” or “Only God Forgives” that admittedly have loads of disturbing images but somehow resonated with me artistically. And I find a lot beauty in their symbolisms. (“Only God Forgives” came to mind when you said how the characters are more like metaphors). Do you think “Strange Darling” will appeal to me in that sense? It’s a huge risk! Everyone else who sees this is free to answer (would be much appreciated). ❤

[@SeekingGodsWill]

Really strong movie. It's got a great feel to it. It has a Me Myself and Irene quality in those Hotel bedroom scenes. And for my taste, one the best movie endings of all time. This woman's performance is a revelation. I agree.

[@davidzoller8246]

I didn't think anything was gonna top Zone of Interest for my #1 but here we are, this movie was FANTASTIC & my new #1 of 2024

[@cable54-guy15]

Went and saw it this morning. I loved it! I felt like I was watching a lost film from the 90’s. I suggest to everyone who is interested in it go in as blind as possible.

[@nedrini1055]

I absolutely loved this movie. I’m so glad you reviewed this.

[@hectorbartlett567]

One of the best film I have seen in the longest of times. What many will call an absolute masterpiece!

[@LateCambrian]

Is this the first movie you've "LOVED"? I haven't seen you so enthusiastic about a film in a long while. I thought it was amazing.... I love Kyle Galner and Willa Fitzgerald in this.

[@DestinyHorizons]

I agree. This movie was great. I saw the Q&A and Giovanni Robisi was the DP. Which was another element to the atorytelling. The male lead was supposed to be in my film. Nice guy. Very quiet in real life

[@mabusestestament]

Giovanni Ribisi is a cinematographer as well? I never knew that.

[@FritzTheCat_1030]

@@mabusestestament It's his first feature.

[@mabusestestament]

@@FritzTheCat_1030 But apparently he’s also a cinematographer, at least for this movie, that’s pretty nice to hear🍻

[@haydengarinduchesne9269]

Excellent my favorite movie of the summer and it’s not even close . I knew very little about this movie hadn’t even seen a trailer , I just saw a snippet on IMDb which was basically the opening scene , saw that it had excellent critical notices and I was all in , beautifully shot and impeccably acted , intense from start to finish morally ambiguous especially towards the end great stuff ,can’t recommend it enough

[@looney1023]

Ahhh! Excited to see this on Saturday. Willa Fitzgerald is absolutely one to watch. She was terrific on the not-very-good Scream MTV series, and even better in the very good Fall of the House of Usher series. (Also, I just love Kyle Gallner in anything...)

[@sagarsaxena6318]

I loved the movie but very happy to see DFL liked it so much as well. Willa was absolutely phenomenal.

[@chrisa9834]

Great review and I could not agree more. Already saw it twice and will be seeing it again. As you said it’s a movie.

[@paulok2153]

nice and its on less than 2 hours! sounds like a winner.

[@ronanhughes8506]

This easily could have been a Taurantino movie. The ladies' acting was immense.

[@TBASA]

Maggie did you see Sanctuary or Crum Catcher? Both could be part of a boxed set with this film.

[@evar1104]

One of my favourite films of the year so far, what a gem!

[@DavidC45]

Pistachio - an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period.

[@steve4films]

Definitely one of the best of the year. 👍

[@philjolette6216]

Love the movie. Thanks! BTW what is your name? I have watched you for years and do not recall you telling us your name.

[@chrisa9834]

The Lady Reviewer

[@ownedbymykitty270]

I loved this film too and was fully immersed from start to finish.

[@andynowicki4532]

This movie is the anti-"Blink Twice," and that's a compliment

[@hairharbor5080]

No mention of the lead actor?

[@captcomps]

Just watched it tonight - and it's a instant cult classic. Absolutely delicious. Warning - spoilers could be inferred from what I've written next (so if you've not seen the film yet - STOP HERE!): But regarding your observations about the film - this is no love story - not by any stretch of the imagination. It bears more similarity with John McNaughton's Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer than any other film. There's nothing here to romanticise anything. It's a very cunning exploration of how gender roles can be used to subvert our expectations in a thriller. The dom sub subtext is there to play with the idea of hunter and hunted. And as the film points out quite brilliantly, there is a relationship between dominance and a lack of empathy or emotion - and what is fascinating in this context is that; if you crave to be submissive in order to feel attraction or arousal - then be very careful what you wish for, because often when our fantasies become real they can often turn out to be the opposite of what we really wanted! This film overlays meaning in such a skilful intelligent way that it lives on in the mind long after the credits have rolled. I wish Willa Fitzgerald could be nominated for her performance as it's the best thing I've seen on film this year by a huge margin. Absolutely captivating and electrifying!

[@avastans]

that's crazy that you said that. i hated this movie so much. a cringeworthy attempt at gender reversal with overacting from that lady. everything rings hollow, her motivations, her actions. interesting u said that other filmmakers are more obssesed with the aesthetic when thats all i say in this movie. the giallo lighting, shot on 35mm, just to say nothing important. yawn. at least blink twice was entertaining

[@0i0l0o]

Movie is A MA ZING ! ! ! I've watched in 24h in theater The Substance, Speak No Evil and Strange Darling. 9 ouf o 10, 7 out of 10 and 12 out of 10.

[@danielbarrero2815]

This movie is great! I totally agree

[@cruisinkoozies]

Watched it last night, good movie with a crazy twist.

[@trae_seymourmotivationalsp4102]

It’s one of my favorites of the last few years!

[@andydavis8437]

Its so Shakespeare esque the way the tables keep turning

[@jacotromp59581]

I am extremely excited for this movie. Seen no trailers for it

[@gizmaticopappy1524]

Fantastic movie. Fantastic outfit there as well well ❤. I was blown away by this film. The Substance is next on my list.

[@indori4787]

It will be released on 6th September in India; I will watch it for sure.

[@indori4787]

Not Released in my state. Movie distribution is annoying in India.

[@BMovieTheater]

Loved this movie so much! It kind of reminded me of Memento if it was a Horror movie. Definitely best to go in blind!

[@happyatticus2966]

My favourite enigma... That's you and not the flicks.

[@SkolneyVikings]

This film is incredible.